Wounded Soldier’s Salute Inspires People Around The World

Being raised around the world while my father lived a military life, this story found a special place in my heart. A photo of an injured Army Ranger saluting his commanding officer from his hospital bed has gone viral!

Corporal Josh Hargis from Cincinnati was on tour in Afghanistan in October when he was seriously injured and four other soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber.

After Josh got out of surgery, his commanding officer, along with more than 50 other soldiers went to his hospital room to see him be presented with a Purple Heart. They all assumed Josh was still unconscious, but when the medal was presented, he started to move!

A doctor tried to restrain him, but Josh raised his right arm and saluted. The photo of the moment was sent to Josh’s wife, Taylor. She got a letter from his commanding officer, where he described the moment as “the single greatest event I have witnessed in my ten years in the Army.” He also said he thought the photo belonged on “every news channel and [in] every newspaper.” So Taylor posted it on Facebook.

Right now, it’s being run by news outlets all over the world! Thankfully Josh has since had his breathing tube removed, and his mother says he’s in good spirits.